Development of Karagöz the Shadow Puppetry in Virtual Reality Environment

Abstract

In this era of technological advancements, the landscape of entertainment has undergone a transformative shift, leaving behind traditional forms in favor of new ones. While the judgment of whether this change is beneficial or not remains entirely subjective, it is undeniable that certain abandoned art forms have experienced a decline in popularity, stagnation, or even face the threat of extinction. Regrettably, Karagöz, a centuries-old traditional shadow puppetry play deeply rooted in Turkish culture, is among the endangered cultural heritage. However, considering the rapid progress of virtual reality (VR) technology and its widespread applications across various domains, there lies a potential opportunity to revitalize the antiquated art of Karagöz. By harnessing the power of cutting-edge graphical technologies such as ray tracing and advanced game engines, it becomes feasible to simulate shadow puppetry plays within the virtual realm, enabling this ancient performance to be experienced and appreciated on digital platforms. With the core objective of revitalizing Karagöz, this study involves the development of a VR game that caters to both artists and audiences, complete with the meticulous simulation of light physics integral to the art of shadow puppetry.